Two men were jailed today at Leicester Crown Court for attempting to burgle a farm in Melton Mowbray, during which the homeowner shot at them.

Joshua O'Gorman and Daniel Mansell were sentenced to four years each. Sentencing them Judge Michael Pert QC said:

If you burgle a house in the country where the householder owns a legally held shotgun that is the chance you take: you cannot come to court and expect a lighter sentence.

– Judge Michael Pert QC

He also said that the property was deliberately targeted; it was in an isolated area, the men had to cross fields, what the men did involved significant planning, they went equipped and they went as a group.

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A man from Leicester has admitted breaking into a remote cottage in Melton.

Joshua O'Gorman pleaded guilty to the burglary at Loughborough Magistrates court today. He was shot by the home owner of the house he broke into.

Daniel Mansell was the second burglar. He admitted to the offence in court last week. He was also shot by the home owner, Andy Ferrie, in the early hours of Sunday 3rd September, when the burglary took place.

Both men will appear at Leicester Crown Court for sentencing on 25th September.

Homeowners Andy Ferrie, 35, and his wife Tracey, 43, were arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm after Mr Ferrie called police to tell them he had fired his shotgun at intruders.

They were later bailed and were told that they would not face criminal charges.

A couple who used a legally held shot gun to defend their Leicestershire home from intruders will not face criminal charges. Andy and Tracy Ferrie from Welby near Melton Mowbray were woken up by banging and broken glass.

Two men arrested by police have since appeared in court on burglary charges but the couple themselves won't face any more action. The decision has been welcomed by their local MP Alan Duncan as one that makes sense.

A couple who used a legally held shot gun to defend their Leicestershire home from intruders will not face criminal charges. Andy and Tracy Ferrie from Welby near Melton Mowbray were woken up by banging and broken glass.

The decision has been welcomed by their local MP Alan Duncan as one that makes sense.